Forests across the country and world are succumbing to a range of threats, from drought and wildfire to pests and diseases, all of which are exacerbated by climate change.

President Obama announced the initiative in July, highlighting rising temperatures, carbon pollution, and the country’s preparedness for the impacts of climate change.

Forests and climate change have a dynamic relationship. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, one of the biggest contributors to climate change, and convert it into clean oxygen, which they release, and carbon, which they store. Sound forest management practices and increased funding can help these important natural resources maintain and improve their potential to sequester carbon, maximizing their ability to mitigate climate change.